American Jewish Committee and A.d.l. Urged to Re-enter N.c.r.a.c.

October 30, 1952

DALLAS, TEXAS (Oct. 29)

A resolution reaffirming their belief in the principles and objectives of the National Community Relations Advisory Council as the planning and coordinating agency in the field of community relations, was adopted here at the concluding session of the two-day annual conference of the Southwest Region of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds.

The resolution was passed by 150 leaders of the 19 Jewish communities of the Southwestern Region. It declared that the N. C. R. A. C. should have the responsibility of eliminating “such unnecessary duplication of efforts and conflict of activities as may occur” in this field.

As part of this resolution, the community leaders called upon the Anti-Defamation League of B’ nai B’rith and the American Jewish Committee, “in accordance with the will of the majority of the communities as reflected by resolutions passed throughout the country,” to re-enter the N.C.R.A.C. as soon as possible to achieve the “basic objective of most effectively serving the American Jewish community.”

The resolution on Jewish community relations programs recognized “the important role” that the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee have played in the fight against anti-Semitism. “We are also cognizant of the fact that no one organization can or should speak for all the Jews in the United States on these matters,” the resolution added.

Harold Glasses, director of the C.J.F.W.F. Institute on Overseas Studies, told the delegates that Israel could look forward to the prospect of developing its economy without the constant interference of new emergencies. “For the first time since the state was established, there is a real prospect that the economy of Israel will be free to develop without the constant interference of new emergencies,” Mr. Glasser pointed out. “The United States grant-in-aid and promised reparations from Germany will take the place of, and we hope, and forever, Israel’s era of frantic borrowing. This intergovernmental assistance should provide the basis of long-term planning and sound economic development.”

Emphasizing, however, that American philanthropic assistance to Israel is as necessary in 1953 as in past years, be asserted that the people and government of Israel are counting on the contication of this aid in undiminishing volume. “American Jewry’s philanthropic aid must contiune, to help insure the stability, maintenance and development of the country.” Mr. Glasser added. “In this connection, our efforts to provide maximum free dollars, purchase of Israeli bonds and investment of private capital are essential for finishing the job of integrating economically the 700,000 immigrants who arrived in Israel during the past four years.”

A.L. Lank of Houston, was re-elected regional president for 1953. Other regional officers elected by the delegates included: vice-presidents Herbert Kohn, Memphis; and Alexander Oppenheimer, San Artonio. Dr. Jerome Levy, Little Rock, was named treasurer.